Jewels of the Arctic

Arctic Cruises

Starting from $7,200

Cruise from the extreme rugged northwest coast of Spitsbergen to the enormous ice-cap of Greenland, then on to an enchanting fishing village in Iceland. Visit tundra, steep mountains and deep fjords while watching for musk ox, Arctic fox and Eider ducks. Watch for Polar bears, whales, narwhals and seals playing and feeding in their habitat.

Itinerary

Please Note: Not all tours depart in Longyearbyen, some tours depart in Reykjavik. In which case, this itinerary is reversed.

Day 1
Cruise out of Longyearbyen along the jagged mountains, huge glaciers and bird cliffs of Isfjorden.

Days 2, 3
Walk on tundra keeping an eye out for reindeer; photograph a variety of wildflowers including saxifrage, moss campion, bell-heather and hairy lousewort. By Zodiac, look for Polar bears and walrus on the pack ice. Take in the enormous glacier of Monacobreen, and visit trappers’ camps and whaling stations. Experience thousands of seabirds nesting such as Brunnich’s guillemots, little auks and Kittiwakes.

Days 4, 5
Cross the Greenland Sea while watching for seabirds and whales (Fin and Beluga). Listen to experts share stories of early explorers such as Nansen and Scoresby. Keep an eye out for Polar bears, walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox, as well as 4 kinds of seals: ringed, bearded and harp and hooded.

Days 6, 7, 8
Experience the ice of Greenland; the ice cap covers 81% of the island. In Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, visit trappers’ huts on the tundra where you might also find musk ox, Arctic fox and Eider ducks. Watch waterfalls cascade down steep walls at Kap Humboldt, creating a climate for spectacular hanging gardens.

Days 9, 10, 11
Explore the world’s biggest fjord, Scoresbysund (Greenland), with glaciers that explosively calve and create giant icebergs. Inuit grant a warm welcome and share the experiences they live. If kayaking, watch for Polar bears and narwhals.

Day 12
Sail along the Blosseville Coast searching for musk ox and narwhals. Soak up the magnificent scenery of stunning mountains and deep fjords.

Day 13
Cruise towards Iceland across the Denmark Strait. Enjoy watching the circling seabirds such as northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins, orcas and other whales.

Day 14
Arrive at the stunning fishing town of Isafjordur in Iceland’s northwest. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Reykjavik.

Polar Pioneer

Highlights

Experience and compare the rugged terrains of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland

Enjoy fabulous hikes for breathtaking mountain views

Trek along the tundra to see musk ox and reindeer

Be overwhelmed by the magnificence of Polar bears

Watch for narwhals, dolphins and seals of many types, as well as myriad seabirds

Feel the expansiveness of Greenland’s ice cap with calving glaciers and huge icebergs

Enjoy the delightful fishing town of Iceland’s Isafjordur

Adopt a Polar Bear!

Included

Tour in Longyearbyen and transfer to ship

Transfer from ship to Isafjordur airport

Economy flight from Isafjordur to Reykavik

All meals on board ship

All shore excursions from the ship including Zodiacs

Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services

Medical services; there is a resident doctor and well-equipped clinic on board

Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities

Pre-departure information and briefing

One polar bear adoption per passenger

Adventure Options

Kayaking: $1,175 per person

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.